The Bisons led by as many as 13 points late in the second half, but converted just 5 of 15 from the free-throw line in the final 4 minutes, allowing Northern Kentucky to climb back.

Cole Murray drilled three 3-pointers as the Norse cut the lead to two, 73-71 with 43 seconds left, but missed from long range with 18 seconds left. Todd Johnson’s 3-pointer at the buzzer created the final margin.

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Smith was 14 of 21 from the line in the game, but the Bisons (8-12, 3-8 Atlantic Sun) were just 22 of 41 from the line as a team. Martin Smith added 15 points.